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guideline

guidewire, guide wire

(gīd′wī″ĕr) A device used to enter tight spaces, e.g., obstructed valves or channels, within the body, or to assist in inserting, positioning, and moving a catheter. Guidewires vary in size, length, stiffness, composition, and shape of the tip. SEE: illus.

CAUSES: Destruction of myelin in peripheral nerves is the proximate cause. The disease typically occurs a few weeks after an upper respiratory infection, a bout of gastroenteritis, or in some instances, a vaccine. AMAN and AMSAN are more likely to occur after gastrointestinal infection with Campylobacter jejuni and may result from antibodies against gangliosides (anti-GM 1 antibodies). Other infections that sometimes precede GBS are cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Zika virus, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Some cases have occurred after other traumatic events, including snake bite, cardiac surgery, or antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus infection.

IMPACT ON HEALTH: Recovery is spontaneous and complete in the vast majority of patients in several weeks or months, but it may take as long as several years. However, nearly a fifth of all patients have difficulty walking without assistance 6 months after infection.

PATIENTCARE: The patient is carefully assessed for evidence of impending respiratory failure, through the use of bedside spirometry. If the inspiratory force, vital capacity, or arterial blood gases deteriorate respiratory support is provided. Testing for thoracic sensation and monitoring and marking ...